Party poll watchers (delegates; delegados de candidaturas) are being refused credentials because of illegal demands for documents, according to MDM and PAHUMO. The law says that parties only have to submit lists of names of a delegate and an alternate for each polling station, 20 days before the election.

But Sande Carmona and Jose de Sousa of MDM told this Bulletin that some local elections commissions are also demanding documents normally only required of candidates, including statement of no criminal record, identity card, and, most difficult, a declaration of residence issued by neighbourhood officials. These officials often have Frelimo links, and the MDM officials argue that neighbourhood secretaries have been given instructions to delay issuing the documents.

Yet the law is clear that only names, and no documents, are required.

Without credentials, delegates cannot enter the polling stations.

Meanwhile, credentials for party delegates have not yet been issued in some areas, even though lists were submitted on time, 20 days before the election, Frelimo, MDM, and PAHUMO report. The election is a week away, but the law says that credentials must be issued at least three days before the election, so there is still time.